This week, my Spotlight Show features the most recent masterpiece by Michigan power pop band The Legal Matters. Although the band was founded in 2013, its members’ musical resumes date back further than that. At the time, Chris Richards had just released an album with Chris and the Subtractions and Andy Reed was involved. Chris and Keith Klingensmith were in the process of putting together an album by the Phenomenal Cats. This serendipitous series of events brought the trio to the same place at the same time and The Legal Matters was born.
Their self titled debut album was released on the Futureman label. It was very well received. At the time, music blog Pop Dose declared, “There’s just no way to avoid the sheer brilliance that Keith Klingensmith, Andy Reed and Chris Richards deliver in this spectacular ten song debut album.” This early success led to a deal with Omnivore Recordings to produce their second collection, entitled Conrad. This effort resulted in rave reviews as well. Henry Lipput of Cool Dad music wrote, “There are songs that make you smile as soon as you hear them and there are more than a few of those songs on Conrad.” Over the next several years, The Legal Matters added to their already impressive catalogue, gaining many fans along the way.
One of the things I like most about The Legal Matters is the fact that all roles in the band are shared. All three are talented and accomplished songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists. This democratic approach ensures that every track is the result of a team effort. Their most recent album, Lost at Sea, is the focus of episode 13 of the IndieHQ Spotlight Show. If you haven’t already heard the program, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQsESBpZPZ0 . Review magazine wrote, “(T)hey have created a musical triumph of sharp hooks, impeccably infectious songwriting, and performances that exceed even the high standards set by the group on their three previous outings.”
The lead track, Everybody Knows, pairs an upbeat sound with a serious topic as it deals with hypocrisy in the world. Andy explains: “in today’s political landscape I’ve grown frustrated with the hypocritical religious types. It’s not aimed at religion specifically, just at those who weaponize it.” Shake This Feeling has a slightly haunting aspect with a cinematic undertone. The complex nature of the chapters of our lives is address in Temporary Thing. Andy’s “current favorite”, Let Me Explain, features great drums and a rockin’ melody sure to delight any audience. The Legal Matters are often described as inspired by The Beatles and other rock and pop icons of the past. I see perhaps a hint of that inspiration but it is clear that Keith, Chris and Andy have taken that seed of inspiration and gave grown it into a wondrous creation that is wholly theirs. After you have listened to the show at least once, I hope you will want to make this album one of your own.